Toronto holidays

How to reach Toronto

• Flight time: Direct flights to Toronto from Dublin take around 7 hours. There are also connecting flights via European hubs like London, Paris or Amsterdam, which can increase travel time to around 9 to 10 hours.

• Transfer time: From Toronto Pearson International Airport, the UP Express train takes around 25 minutes to reach Union Station in downtown Toronto. It runs every 15 minutes from early morning until late at night. Taxis are also available and typically take 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

• Price: A one-way UP Express ticket costs approximately CAD12. Taxis from the airport to the city centre cost between CAD50 and CAD60.

Best time to visit Toronto

Toronto is a fantastic year-round destination, but the best time to visit will depend on your preferences for weather and events.

• June to August is peak season, with warm weather (20°C to 30°C), outdoor festivals and long sunny days. It’s the ideal time to enjoy Toronto’s parks, harbourfront and cultural events, but expect higher accommodation prices and larger crowds.

• September to November brings cooler weather (10°C to 20°C) and beautiful autumn colours across the city’s many green spaces. It’s a quieter time to visit, with fewer tourists and plenty of events still on the calendar.

• December to February is winter, and temperatures can drop well below freezing (–1°C to –10°C), often with snow. It’s a magical time to experience festive markets, ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square, and cosy cafés.

• March to May marks the start of spring. With temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C and fewer visitors, it’s a great time to explore Toronto as it begins to bloom again. Rain is common, so pack a waterproof jacket.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the main language spoken in Toronto, though it's one of the most multicultural cities in the world with over 140 languages heard on the streets.

• Local habits and customs: Canadians are known for being polite and courteous. Saying "please," "thank you" and "sorry" is second nature. Tipping 15% to 20% in restaurants and for services is standard.

• Currency: The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). ATMs are easy to find and credit cards are widely accepted.

• Getting around: Toronto’s public transport network includes buses, streetcars and the subway. A single fare costs CAD3.35. Using a Presto card offers savings for multiple trips and easy transfers between systems. Taxis and rideshares are also available.

• Electricity and plug types: Canada uses a 120V supply with plug types A and B. Travellers from Ireland will need a plug adaptor.

• Time zone: Toronto is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT–5) and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Toronto

Whether you're here for the city's iconic skyline, rich history or exciting museums, there's no shortage of things to explore during your Toronto holidays.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• CN Tower: One of Toronto's iconic landmarks, the 533-metre CN Tower offers fabulous views of the city and Lake Ontario. Just take a lift to the top or pluck up your courage and walk around the outside of the tower at dizzying heights as part of the thrilling EdgeWalk (not for the faint-hearted, though!).

• Toronto Islands: A short ferry ride from the city to the Toronto Islands will reward you with incredible views of the city's downtown skyline. If you're after spending some time more actively, you can rent a bike or kayak to explore the area.

The best districts

• Distillery District: The Distillery District is home to Toronto's most original and diverse arts centre, sited in the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery, an appealing industrial "village" on Mill Street. The area is also packed with boutiques and some of Toronto's best restaurants.

• Kensington Market: Likely the most ethnically diverse part of town, combining Portuguese, West Indian and Jewish Canadians, this area is perfect for those looking to experience Toronto's vibrant multicultural side.

• Yorkville: Yorkville was "alternative" back in the 1960s. Today, the alternative vibe is long gone, but the district holds some of Toronto's most showy clothing shops and art galleries.

Parks and gardens

• High Park: Well worth a detour is High Park, the city's largest park and home to a rare stand of black oak savannah and unusual plants such as blazing star and the sassafras tree.

• Toronto Music Garden: One of the most imaginative arrivals on the waterfront, the garden on Queens Quay West was conceived by internationally renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and is based on Johann Sebastian Bach's Suite No. 1 for Unaccompanied Cello. Each of the six dance movements within the suite corresponds to a different section in the garden.

Historical monuments

• Casa Loma: A folly to outdo almost any other, Casa Loma is undoubtedly Toronto's most bizarre attraction, an enormous towered and turreted Gothic Revival-style mansion. Be sure to visit this grand house inside, as its eight dozen rooms don't fail to disappoint!

• Fort York: Modern-day Toronto traces its origins to Fort York, a colonial stockade built in 1793 on the shores of Lake Ontario to bolster British control of the Great Lakes. Today's fort is the reconstruction which offers visitors a chance to delve into Toronto's colonial past.

• St Lawrence Market: St Lawrence Market, easily the city's best food and drink market, is housed in a capacious red-brick building dating to 1844. Wander through the stalls for fresh produce, artisanal goods and some of the best peameal bacon sandwiches in the city.

Day trips in the area

• Niagara Falls: Just a 90-minute drive from Toronto, Niagara Falls is Canada's major show-stopper and an absolute must-visit. Take in the breathtaking views from various vantage points, or hop on a boat tour to get up close and feel the spray of the falls.

• The Blue Mountains: The Blue Mountains, just a 2-hour drive north of Toronto, provide the best ski runs in Ontario but they are also great for a summer getaway.

• Stratford: Located about a 2-hour drive west of Toronto, this likeable country town rises head and shoulders above its neighbours as the host of the Stratford Festival, one of the most prestigious theatrical occasions in North America.

Activities for families in Toronto

Toronto is a fantastic destination for families, with plenty of activities to keep both kids and adults entertained.

• Toronto Zoo: Set on the hilly edge of the Rouge Valley, Toronto Zoo encompasses a sprawling site that does its best to place animals in their own environments. No doubt the zoo, which boasts over 5,000 animals, is a hit with kids of all ages.

• Ontario Science Centre: Perfect for rainy days, the Ontario Science Centre showcases dozens of interactive science displays that encourage children to explore the wonders of science and technology. One of the most popular exhibits is The Human Edge, where visitors can discern the inner workings of human biology through life-sized three-dimensional displays and various quizzes and games.

• Centre Island: Head to Centre Island for beaches, bike rentals, and even an amusement park – Centreville. The ferry ride over is an adventure in itself, offering great views of the city.

Free things to do in Toronto

Toronto may be an expensive city, but luckily there are plenty of free things you can do without spending a cent.

• Free museums: Many of Toronto's museums offer free entry on certain days. The Art Gallery of Ontario is free on the first Wednesday of each month between 6 and 9 pm, and the Royal Ontario Museum offers free admission to its permanent galleries on the third Tuesday of every month between 4:30 and 8:30 pm.

• Free festivals: Toronto hosts a number of free festivals, including the Beaches International Jazz Festival in July and Nuit Blanche, an all-night art event held every autumn.

• Walking tours: Several companies offer free tours on a variety of topics that can range from musical history to architecture to the social development of city neighbourhoods.

Local dishes in Toronto

One of the highlights of holidays to Toronto is exploring the city's diverse foodie scene, which reflects its multicultural population.

Some typical dishes

• Peameal Bacon Sandwich: If you want to eat like a local, try this savoury salt- and sugar-cured extra-lean ham, served piping hot on a bun. It's a true Toronto classic!

• Butter Tarts: These little pastry shells, filled with a sticky mixture of butter, brown sugar, corn or maple syrup, are the subject of endless debates: should they be runny or chewy? Decide for yourself which you like best!

Meat dishes

• Tourtière: This spiced meat pie, filled with minced beef, pork or veal, can be found in many Toronto establishments and is difficult to resist.

• Beef Brisket: Toronto's BBQ scene is growing, and slow-cooked beef brisket is a staple at many smokehouses around the city.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Maple-glazed Salmon: This is a perfect blend of Canadian flavours, namely sweet maple syrup combined with the richness of salmon, with the addition of soy sauce and garlic.

• East Coast Oysters: Fresh oysters from Canada's eastern shores are popular in Toronto. For a tangy kick, try them with mignonette sauce.

Street food

• Poutine: Poutine are French fries covered in melted mozzarella cheese or cheese curds and gravy, a must-try during your visit to Toronto. Simple but delicious!

• Hot Dogs: Hot dog stands are found across the city, offering affordable appetising bites. You can customise your dog with various toppings, from mustard to sauerkraut. An ideal snack on the go!

Sweets and desserts

• BeaverTails: These deep-fried dough pastries, shaped like – you guessed it – a beaver's tail, are topped with a variety of sweet toppings like cinnamon sugar, fruit or Nutella.

Local drinks

• Caesar: This savoury cocktail, made with vodka, clamato juice, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, is a Canadian classic you should try in Toronto.